Tips for Toasts at Your Phoenix Wedding Reception

Toasts have been a tradition at wedding celebrations since ancient times when cups were clicked together to ward off evil spirits and raised to the heavens as an offering to the gods. Legend has it that the term 'toast' was coined about three hundred years ago in France when it became common practice to place a piece of toast in a goblet of wine to filter out the sediment as one drank the crudely made vintage.

At virtually every wedding reception today, it is a festive tradition for the bride and groom to be toasted by the best man and sometimes the maid of honor, parents, relatives and friends as a formal expression of good wishes for the newlyweds. It is also common for the groom, the bride, or both to respond by acknowledging the toasts and greeting their guests. Here are some guidelines for both the bride and groom as well as those who will be delivering toasts.

Phoenix wedding DJ Billy James offers tips for wedding reception toasts

Decide when to have the toasts and who will give them.

Right before dinner is when your guests are most attentive and those giving the toasts are likely to be most focused and articulate. This is usually the perfect time for toasts. However, toasts may also occur between dinner courses or after dinner. It is always better to identify ahead of time all of those who plan to give a toast. That way your DJ can introduce each person who is toasting and create a smooth transition from one toast to the next. Also, the bride and groom may want to consider responding to the toasts by taking the microphone and welcoming their guests. This is an excellent but often overlooked opportunity to share your thoughts and thank your guests for coming.

Make sure the beverage is poured before toasting.

Nothing is more awkward than starting the toasts and then discovering the bubbly has not been poured. Usually, the pouring time is arranged in advance with your catering director, but it doesn't hurt to do a quick visual inspection right before the first toast. An experienced wedding DJ usually does this for you.

Stand and make eye contact with the bride and groom.

When you give a toast, stand tall and be close enough to make eye contact with the bride and groom. At the same time, be clearly visible to the guests. Remember, nothing should move but your lips. Swaying or pacing while you speak is an annoying distraction for your audience. The bride and groom are always seated while being toasted.

Speak more slowly and project more intensely than you think you should.

If you are not accustomed to public speaking, be aware that your delivery needs to be more deliberate than if you were in personal conversation. Otherwise, guests will have a difficult time understanding you. Even with a microphone, speak in a strong, solid voice the way you would when speaking to someone several feet away. The results will be better if the DJ has to lower rather than increase your microphone volume.

Know the basics of microphone usage.

The DJ will probably give you a handheld wireless microphone. Hold the mic a few inches from your lips and speak into the top of the ball (the hot spot) and not the side. If you hold the microphone near your waist, the DJ will create annoying feedback in a futile attempt to pick up your voice. The DJ should provide you with a "live" mic so you won't have to begin your toast by blowing into the mic or asking, "Can you hear me?" Finally, never stand in front of a speaker cabinet with a live mic. That creates instant feedback.

Don't be too brief or too lengthy.

An extremely brief toast (under 10 seconds) suggests you are unprepared or have very little to say. The bride and groom deserve better. On the other hand, a long, rambling toast (5-10 min.) will challenge people's attention. The most effective toasts are usually in the 1-3 minute range.

Prepare ahead of time.

Don't wing it. Use a note card to prepare a script or at least an outline of what you plan to say. In general, introduce yourself, explain your connection to the newlyweds, offer an amusing personal anecdote or two about the bride and/or groom and then end on a serious note of good wishes. Bottom line, speak from the heart.

Avoid certain topics.

Never mention past girlfriends (or wives), engage in off-color humor or make negative remarks about anyone or anything. No one should be made to feel uncomfortable.

Conclude your toast with an exclamation of good wishes.

Every language has its own special phrase for toasting. In English, it's often "Cheers" and in Spanish, "Salud." Italians say "Salute," the Polish phrase is "Na zdrowie" and Jewish people may say "L'chaim." Consider selecting an appropriate phrase ahead of time and then use it as your concluding expression as you and the guests raise your glasses to the newlyweds. More toasting expressions in various languages.

Need inspiration?

Here is a source of information: The Quintessional Wedding Guide ... Speeches and Toasts by Heidi L. Holmes

This information is intended exclusively for clients of DJ Billy James
and cannot be copied, reproduced, linked to or utilized for any other
purpose without written permission from DJ Billy James.

For rental inquiries, send a message

For DJ services, submit a contact form

billy@billyjamesmusic.com

Wedding DJ and Party DJ in Phoenix, AZ valleywide
including Scottsdale, Carefree, Cave Creek, Fountain Hills,
Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Glendale, Peoria, Sun City, Surprise